Blunt Tip Vial Access Cannula

ABSTRACT

This present disclosure provides a non-coring vial access cannula which has sufficient structural strength that it may be made from a thermoplastic resin instead of metal, thus reducing the likelihood and severity of operator injury by an accidental needle stick. The vial access cannula of the present disclosure has (i) a needle hub suitable for receiving a hypodermic syringe or an IV set (e.g., a Luer lock), (ii) a cannula portion having a centrally disposed lumen, wherein the centrally disposed lumen terminates in one or more distal openings and is in fluid communication with the needle hub, and (iii) a solid tip member distal to the one or more distal openings, wherein the solid tip member has a blade with a cutting edge.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser.No. 11/070,314, filed Mar. 2, 2005, the entire contents of which ishereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

This present disclosure relates to a cannula useful for penetratingmembranes or septums as commonly used in medication vials, intravenousbags, access ports and the like.

2. Description of the Related Art

Many standard containers for pharmaceuticals, medicaments and othersubstances are air and moisture-tight containers (e.g., vials) havingelastomeric stoppers. The container contents are typically accessed bypiercing the stopper with a cannulated needle apparatus such as atypical hypodermic needle and syringe. In many applications, thecontainer contents are repeatedly accessed. For example, many injectablepharmaceuticals are packaged in multidose vials requiring a vial accessfor the withdrawal of each unit dose. Also, many pharmaceuticals arelypholysed in sterile vials for prolonged stability. Such packaging alsorequires multiple vial entries to reconstitute the contents andwithdrawal of the reconstituted contents.

Typically, the elastomeric stoppers are pierced using a sharp metalcannulated needle; usually a needle suitable for intravenous injection.One problem that arises with this type of vial access is coring of theelastomeric stopper. Coring occurs as the vial access needle is urgedthrough the stopper and the needle punches or cuts a small particle ofrubber from the stopper. This stopper fragment either drops into thevial or becomes lodged in the cannula and possibly withdrawn into thesyringe. In either case, the sterility of the container contents iscompromised and, in the latter case, injection of particulate matterinto the patient may occur.

The prior art discloses various vial access needles for aspiration ofmedication including vial access needles providing conically shapedforward tips and fluid dispensing side ports. See, for example, theMONOJECT® Filter Aspiration Needle (1973) manufactured by SherwoodMedical Industries Inc. and U.S. Pat. No. 4,058,121 to Choksi et al.,which disclose vial access needles for aspiration of medication.

Therefore, it would be desirable to overcome the disadvantages anddrawbacks of the prior art with a vial access cannula that employsstructure that minimizes or eliminates coring of elastomeric stoppers.It would also be desirable if the vial access cannula is easily andefficiently manufactured.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, a cannula useful for penetrating membranes or septums ascommonly used in medication vials, intravenous bags, access ports andthe like is provided having a blunt tip vial access cannula that employsstructure for penetrating vials and the like for prevent coring ofelastomeric stoppers to prevent particulates from the stopper frominvading the pharmaceutical or medicament to overcome the relateddisadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art. Desirably, the blunt tipvial access cannula includes a solid tip member structure that preventscoring of septums as commonly used in medication vials, intravenousbags, access ports and the like.

One particular embodiment of the present disclosure provides anon-coring cannula for use as a vial access needle. The cannuladescribed herein has sufficient structural strength that it may be madefrom a thermoplastic resin instead of metal, thus reducing thelikelihood and severity of operator injury by an accidental needlestick. The vial access cannula of the present disclosure includes (i) aneedle hub suitable for receiving a hypodermic syringe or an IV set,(ii) a cannula portion having a centrally disposed lumen, wherein thecentrally disposed lumen terminates in one or more distal openings andis in fluid communication with the needle hub, and (iii) a solid tipmember distal to the one or more distal openings, wherein the solid tipmember has a blade with a cutting edge. In preferred embodiments, thecentrally disposed lumen terminates in two distal openings and thedistal openings are oriented such that the fluid flow is transverse tothe axis of the centrally disposed lumen.

Preferably, the blade is disposed at an angle α of about 5-45° from thevertical plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cannula,and most preferably, the blade is disposed at an angle of about 10-20°.

In another illustrative embodiment, the solid tip member of the vialaccess cannula has one or more bevels such that the vertical length ofthe cutting edge is about 50-95% of the diameter of the cannula portion.The bevels that cause the length reduction of the cutting blade aredisposed medially at an angle of about 5-25°, and most preferably, about8-15°.

In another embodiment, the vial access cannula has lateral facetsspanning the distal end of the cannula portion, from a point proximal tothe lateral openings, and the proximal end of the solid tip member. Inpreferred embodiments, the distal boundary of the lateral facet is theproximal edge of the bevel that forms the cutting edge of the blade. Inanother embodiment, there is an additional laterally disposed bevelbetween the distal boundary of the facet and the bevel that forms thecutting edge. In one embodiment, the laterally disposed facets contain amedial groove which is disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis of thevial access cannula. Typically, the medial grooves have substantiallythe same width as the distal openings of the centrally disposed cannulaand run distally from the distal openings. On the distal end, the medialgrooves terminate prior to the proximal boundary of the bevel that formsthe cutting edge.

In particularly useful embodiments, the interior wall of the needle hubis tapered which facilitates a Luer slip-type of connection. In otherembodiments, the needle hub contains a female portion of a Luer lock(i.e., the Luer wings). Optionally, the needle hub, the flange, or theproximal end of the centrally disposed cannula may contain a filter.Useful filters include membrane filters (e.g., PVDF or methylcellulose),or microporous metal (e.g., stainless steel) filters.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the presentdisclosure will be more fully understood from the following detaileddescription of the exemplary embodiments, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cannula constructed in accordance withthe principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cannula according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a distal portion of the cannula according toFIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the distal portion of the cannula,through plane 3A-3A, of FIG. 3;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the cannula, through plane 4-4,of FIG. 3;

FIG. 4A is a partial callout cross-sectional side view of an alternativeembodiment of the cannula, through plane 4-4, of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is plan view of the cannula according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional plan view of the cannula, though plane 6-6,of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the cannula of the present disclosureaccording to FIG. 1; and

FIG. 8 is a partial plan view of an alternative embodiment of thecannula according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The exemplary embodiments of the blunt tip vial access needle disclosedherein are discussed in terms of cannulated needle devices for infusionof intravenous fluids, medication infusion and fluid collection, andmore particularly, in terms of manually accessing vials ofpharmaceuticals and the like housed in containers that employ septumstructures that require access such as medication vials, intravenousbags, access ports and the like. It is contemplated that the cannula maybe shielded during storage, transport, fluid infusion and/or collectionand subsequent thereto.

In the discussion that follows, the term “proximal” refers to a portionof a structure that is closer to a clinician, and the term “distal”refers to a portion that is further from the clinician. As used herein,the term “subject” refers to a patient that receives infusions or hasblood and/or fluid collected therefrom using the safety apparatus.According to the present disclosure, the term “clinician” refers to anindividual administering an infusion, performing fluid collection,installing or removing a needle cannula from a safety apparatus and mayinclude support personnel.

Additionally, the term “cutting edge” refers to the union of one or morebevels and is located at the distal end of the cannula. The term“slanted blade” refers to a cutting edge, together with one or morebevels that form the cutting edge, in which the angle of the cuttingedge is less than perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cannulato which it is attached.

The following discussion includes a description of the blunt tip vialaccess cannula, in accordance with the present disclosure. Referencewill now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of thedisclosure, which are illustrated in the accompanying figures.

Turning now to the figures, wherein like components are designated bylike reference numerals throughout the several views. Referring to FIGS.1 and 2, the present disclosure provides a non-coring vial accesscannula 10. Preferably, the cannula 10 is molded from plastic into aunitary structure; however, it is contemplated that the cannula of thepresent disclosure may be fabricated from metal alloys. The cannula 10includes a needle hub 12 at a proximal end 14 thereof. The cannula 10 inthis construction further includes a flange portion 13, which isintermediately disposed between needle hub portion 12 and a cannulaportion 16. Cannula portion 16 includes a centrally disposed lumen 18(shown in phantom), which terminates in two distal openings 20. It iscontemplated within the present disclosure that cannula portion 16 mayterminate in one or more distal openings 20. The cannula 10 terminatesat its distal end 24 in a solid tip member 26. The solid tip member 26is distal to the distal openings 20 of the centrally disposed lumen 18.

The needle hub 12 is designed to receive a syringe or an IV set (notshown) and, in preferred embodiments, comprises the female portion of aLuer Lock 11 (i.e., has “ears” for mating with the threaded male Luerconnector). Preferably, the interior wall of the needle hub 12 istapered distally for providing a frictional fit with received syringesor IV sets (i.e., capable of functioning as a Luer slip connection).Other configurations of the needle hub 12 are possible and depend uponeach particular receiving syringe or device with which the cannula 10 ofthe present disclosure will be used.

The centrally disposed lumen 18 extends through the flange 13 and is influid communication with the needle hub 12 at the proximal end 14. Thecentrally disposed lumen 18 terminates in one or more distal openings20. In preferred embodiments, distal openings 20 are laterally disposedto the central longitudinal X-axis of the cannula 10. In other preferredembodiments, the lumen 18 terminates with two opposing distal openings20, which are oriented at 90° to the cutting edge of cutting edge 32.

Optionally, the needle hub 12 may include a filter within the centrallydisposed lumen 18 or the interior portions of flange 13 or hub 12.Particularly useful filters include, for example, a microporousstainless steel filter. Suitable filters include, for example, 0.22 μmand 0.45 μm membrane filters, and 5 μm random path membrane filters. Thechoice of needle hub filter is left to the practitioner based on eachspecific application. Generally, the manufacture and use of needle hubfilters is well known in the art.

During operation, the flange portion 13 is designed to engage a topportion of the vial or elastomeric stopper into which the cannula 10 isto be inserted such that the flange 13 limits the depth of cannula 10penetration through the elastomeric stopper. There is no specificrequirement for the shape of the flange 13, but in preferredembodiments, it contains one or more wing or stop members 15symmetrically distributed around the flange 13 circumference andextending radially outwards. Preferably, neither the flange 13 nor itswings 15 extend outward beyond the width of the needle hub 12.

The solid tip member 26 contains a slanted blade 30 containing a cuttingedge 32 which is formed at the junction of the bevels 22. It iscontemplated within the present disclosure that cutting edge 32 is notperpendicular (i.e., slanted) in relation to longitudinal X-axis ofcannula 10. The slanted blade 30, including the cutting edge 30 and thebevels 22, facilitate penetration of the elastomeric stoppers and othervial closure devices. The solid tip member 26 further contains medialgrooves 28 extending substantially from the distal openings 20 runningin a distal direction parallel to the centrally disposed lumen 18, butterminating prior to the proximal edge of the bevels 22. The medialgrooves 28 facilitate flow when fluid is drawn into the syringe (notshown) through the cannula 10.

The presence of medial grooves 28 assist manufacture of the device inthe mold by diverting the stream of ejected fluid within the angle, mostpreferably about 45°, from the tip.

Cannula 10 includes an additional facet 38 bridging the distal end ofthe cannula portion 16 and the solid tip member 26. The facets 38 aretypically symmetrical on each of the lateral sides of the cannula 10 andare oriented parallel to the cutting edge 32. The purpose of the facet38 is to facilitate penetration of the solid tip member 26 and thecannula portion 16 of the cannula 10 through an elastomeric vialstopper. Cannulae without the facets 38 generally require the use ofmore force and are more prone to tear the vial stopper.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 3A, the distal end of the cannula portion16 and a lateral view of solid tip member 26 are shown. Morespecifically, distal openings 20 are of equal widths, for example, about0.025 mm, and are of substantially the same width as the diameter as thecentrally-disposed lumen 18. The medial grooves 28 preferably havesubstantially the same width as the distal openings 20. The solid tipmember 26 has one or more top bevels 36 along the first side 50 and oneor more bottom bevels 37 along the second side 60. Although one pair ofcutting bevels 22 and two pairs of side bevels 36 and 37 are shown, itis contemplated within the present disclosure that the solid tip member26 include at least one cutting bevel and at least one side bevel.

The cutting edge 32 of the slanted blade 30 is disposed at an angle α ofpreferably about 5-45°, more preferably 10-30° and most preferably about10-20°, to vertical axis (Z-Z) shown as perpendicular to thelongitudinal X-axis of the cannula 10 (FIGS. 3 and 6). The bevels 36 and37 effectively reduce the length of the cutting edge 32 and facilitatepenetration of the elastomeric vial stoppers. Preferably, the bevels 36and 37 reduce the length of the cutting edge 32 by about 5-50% relativeto the outer diameter of the cannula portion 16 making the verticallength of the cutting edge about 50-95% of the diameter of the cannulaportion 16. Bevels 36 and 37 may be formed as a smooth arc or by two,three, four or more bevels and still perform substantially the samefunction. FIG. 3A shows a cross-section, through plane 3A-3A, of thesolid tip member 26 having bevels 36 on the first side 50 and bevels 37on the second side 60. In this embodiment, each bevel 36 and 37 arebisected forming two bevels , each at a bevel angle β. to the Y-axis.While it is preferred that each bevel in a pair of bevels have the samebevel angle β, those angles could be different from each other. Inpreferred embodiments for which the bevels 36 and 37 have two bevels,the bevel angle β is preferably about 15-30°, more preferably about17-27°. and most preferably about 22-24°. Although it is preferable, fora cannula 10 having bevels 36 and 37 symmetrical in cross-section (FIG.3A), symmetry is not required. For example, the first side 50 bevels 36may have a rounded profile, while the second side 60 bevels 37 have abeveled profile. As shown in more detail in FIG. 6, the bevels 36 and 37are medially disposed at an angle γ and γ′, respectively, of preferablyabout 5-25°, more preferably about 7-20° and most preferably about 8-15°from the X-axis. It is contemplated within the present disclosure thatangles γ and γ′ may be equal or of different values from the X-axis. Thepurpose of the bevels 36 and 37 are to reduce the length of the cuttingedge 32, thereby reducing the force required to urge the cannula 10through an elastomeric stopper. The reduction in the length of thecutting edge 32 is a function of the bevel angle γ, the length, alongthe longitudinal X-axis, of the solid tip member 26, and the precisepoint of origin of the bevels 36 and 37 at their proximal edge.

Turning now to FIG. 4, a preferred embodiment of the distal end of thecannula portion 16 and the solid tip member 26 in a cross-sectional topview through plane 4-4 of FIG. 3 is shown. The cutting edge 32 is formedat the union of the bevels 22. The bevels 22 each form an angle δ ofpreferably about 20-40°, more preferably about 25-35° and mostpreferably about 28-32° with the longitudinal X-axis of the cannula 10.In a preferred embodiment, the bevels 22 each form an angle of about 30°with the longitudinal X-axis of the cannula 10, resulting in the cuttingedge 32 having a total inside angle of about 60°. The preferred width Aof the slanted blade 30 is about 1.47 mm with each bevel 22 forming anangle δ of about 30° with the longitudinal X-axis.

With reference to FIG. 4A, there is disclosed a partial cross-sectionalside view (through plane 4-4 of FIG. 3) of an alternative embodiment ofthe cannula portion 16. Centrally disposed lumen 18 of cannula portion16 includes a distally situated terminating wall portion 27. Wallportion 27 may be formed in a variety of shapes including, for example,an arc shape (FIG. 3), plurality of frustoconical shapes (FIG. 4) orsingle frustoconical shape (FIG. 4A). The shape of wall portion 27 isformed by a terminal end of a core pin (not shown) used in themanufacture of cannula 10. During manufacture of cannula 10, a metalcore pin having, for example, a single inverse frustoconical shape orinverse wedge shape, is used to form wall portion 27 as shown in FIG.4A. The shape of wall portion 27 can be used to control or divert theflow of fluid through distal openings 20. For example, the delivery offluid through distal openings 20 is best delivered (i.e., in a forwardfacing spray direction) less than ninety degrees (90°), and preferablyless than forty-five (45°) from the longitudinal X-axis of the cannula10.

With reference now to FIGS. 5-7, there is disclosed an alternate view ofthe cannula according to the present disclosure. These figures aredescribed in terms of a preferred embodiment which is useful for manymedical applications. Of course, the exact dimensions may be altered,within the scope of the disclosure, depending upon each particularapplication for which a vial access cannula 10 is required. FIG. 5 showsthe preferred embodiment of the entire cannula 10 in top view. Theoverall length B of the cannula 10 is about 1.128 cm. The length C ofthe needle hub 12 is about 0.308 cm which, together with the flangeportion 13, is about 0.595 cm in length D. The length E (FIG. 6) of thecannula portion 16 is about 0.386 cm (from the distal end of the flangeportion 13 to the distal end of lumen 18), which together with the solidtip member 26 comprise a length F of about 0.533 cm. To facilitatepenetration of the cannula 10 through an elastomeric stopper,optionally, the proximal region of the cannula portion 16 is tapered byforming an angle θ1 with the X-axis. Preferably, the angle θ1 is about2-6° and more preferably about 4°. Tapering the proximal region of thecannula portion 16 preferably reduces the exterior diameter from about0.106 cm at the junction with the flange portion 13 to about 0.088 cm atthe distal end G. The centrally disposed lumen 18 may be tapered, eithercontinuously or discontinuously, over the length of the cannula portion16. Preferably, the centrally disposed lumen 18 has a diameter H ofabout 0.033 cm at the distal openings 20 and about 0.050 cm at itsjunction with the flange portion 13. The centrally disposed lumen 18 ispreferably tapered in the flange portion 13.

As discussed above, in preferred embodiments, the solid tip member 26has at least one bevel 36 on the first side 50 and at least one bevel 37on the second side 60. Most preferably, each angle γ and γ′ of the bevelis about 8-15°. In this preferred embodiment, which has both bevels 36and 37 at about an 11° angle γ and γ′, the vertical length of thecutting edge 32 is about 0.058 cm which represents a reduction of about0.030 cm compared to the diameter G of the cannula portion 16. The 0.030cm reduction in vertical length I is comprised of about a 0.015 cmreduction on both the first side 50 and the second side 60.

As discussed above, preferably, the needle hub 12 is mating with themale portion of a threaded Luer connector and/or functioning as a Luerslip connector. Suitable dimensions for these types of connectors arewell known in the art. For example, the depth C of the syringe receivingportion of the needle hub 12 is about 0.305 cm and is flared over aboutthe proximal 0.25 cm of depth J. In a suitable flared configuration, theneedle hub 12 has a luminal diameter K of about 0.155 cm toward thedistal end and a luminal diameter L of about 0.210 cm toward theproximal opening. The exterior diameter of the needle hub, excluding theLuer ears 11, is about 0.234 cm. In another preferred embodiment, theinner corner of the proximal opening of the needle hub 12 is beveled toan angle θ2, which facilitates entry of the syringe end into the needlehub 12. Suitably, θ2 may be about 30-55°, but preferably is about 45°.

With reference to FIG. 7, a bottom plan view of one embodiment of thecannula 10 is shown. In this embodiment, the needle hub 12 contains aLuer lock 11 which is oriented parallel to the cutting edge 32 (Z-axis).The flange portion 13 contains four flange wings 15, which are offset by45°. relative to the plane of the cutting edge 32 (the Z-axis). Theflange wings 15 may, of course, be rotated to any convenient angle ormay adopt different configurations if a number of flange wings 15 otherthan four are used. The cannula portion 16 terminates in two laterallydisposed distal openings 20. The solid tip member 26 has two bevels 36,two medial grooves 28 and symmetrical lateral facets 38.

With reference to FIG. 8, an alternative embodiment of cannula 10′includes a cannula portion 16′ and solid tip member 26′ having a firstside 29. Cannula 10′ includes lumen 18′ (shown in phantom) terminatingat wall portion 27′ of distal opening 20′. The solid tip member 26′includes at least one cutting bevel and at least one side bevel. Morespecifically, solid tip member 26′ includes one or more top bevels 36′along the first side 50′ and one or more bottom bevels 37′ along thesecond side 60′. The bevels 36′ and 37′ can be of certain lengths toeffectively reduce the length of the cutting edges 32′, whichfacilitates penetration of the elastomeric vial stoppers. Althoughmultiple cutting edges 32′ are shown, it is contemplated that one ormore cutting edges 32′ may be incorporated with solid tip member 26′.Bevels 36′ and 37′ may be formed as smooth arcs having flat or curvedplanes or flat or curved cutting edges, or by two or more bevels.Cannula portion 16′ may include an opposite second side 31 formed as amirror image of first side 29. Alternatively, opposite second side 31may be formed as a flat surface having a plane substantially parallel tothe longitudinal X-axis of cannula 10′.

Although the foregoing present disclosure has been described in somedetail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity ofunderstanding, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill inthe art in light of the teachings of this present disclosure thatcertain changes and modifications may be made thereto without departingfrom the spirit or scope of the appended claims.

1. A vial access cannula comprising: a needle hub; a cannula portionconnected to the needle hub and having a centrally disposed lumen,wherein said centrally disposed lumen terminates in at least one distalopening and is in fluid communication with said needle hub; and a solidtip member disposed distal to said at least one distal opening, whereinsaid solid tip member includes at least one blade which defines a bluntdistal-most tip of the solid tip member, the at least one blade beingdisposed at an angle of less than about 45° from a vertical planeperpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the cannula.
 2. The vial accesscannula of claim 1, further including at least one planar lateral facetdefining an outwardly facing exterior surface of the cannula portion,the at least one planar lateral facet spanning an exterior distal regionof said cannula portion and an exterior proximal region of said solidtip member.
 3. The vial access cannula of claim 2, wherein the at leastone planar lateral facet includes a medial groove running distally fromsaid at least one distal opening and terminates proximal to said atleast one blade.
 4. The vial access cannula of claim 1, wherein the atleast one blade includes opposing beveled faces that extend to a cuttingedge.
 5. The vial access cannula of claim 1, wherein the solid tipmember includes at least two beveled faces, a junction of the twobeveled faces defining a cutting edge.
 6. The vial access cannula ofclaim 1, wherein the centrally disposed lumen terminates in two distalopenings and fluid flow through said distal openings is transverse tothe axis of the cannula.
 7. The vial access cannula of claim 2, whereinthe at least one planar lateral facet comprises a pair of planar lateralfacets, wherein said pair of planar lateral facets comprises a medialgroove, and wherein said medial groove (i) is disposed parallel to thelongitudinal axis of said cannula, (ii) has substantially the same widthas said at least one distal opening and (iii) runs distally from said atleast one distal opening and terminates proximal to said at least oneblade.
 8. The vial access cannula of claim 1, wherein said at least oneblade is disposed at an angle of about 5-45° from the vertical planeperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cannula.
 9. The vialaccess cannula of claim 1, wherein the solid tip member has at least onebeveled face that extends to a cutting edge of the at least one bladeand said cutting edge has a vertical length of about 50-95% of thediameter of the cannula portion.
 10. The vial access cannula of claim 9,wherein each of said at least one beveled face is medially disposed atan angle of about 5-25° from the longitudinal axis of the cannula. 11.The vial access cannula of claim 1, wherein said needle hub comprises afemale portion of a Luer lock.
 12. The vial access cannula of claim 1,wherein said needle hub further comprises a filter.
 13. The vial accesscannula of claim 1, wherein said vial access cannula is molded fromplastic.
 14. A vial access cannula comprising: a needle hub; a cannulaportion connected to the needle hub and having a centrally disposedlumen, wherein said centrally disposed lumen terminates in two laterallydisposed distal openings and is in fluid communication with said needlehub; a solid tip member positioned distally of said distal openings,wherein said solid tip member comprises at least one blade, the at leastone blade having at least one beveled face that extends to a cuttingedge disposed at an angle of about 5-45° from an axis perpendicular to alongitudinal axis of said cannula, and wherein the vertical length ofsaid cutting edge is about 50-95% of the diameter of said cannulaportion.
 15. The vial access cannula according to claim 14, wherein atleast one planar lateral facet spans an exterior distal region of saidcannula portion and an exterior proximal region of said solid tipmember, and the at least one lateral facet includes a medial grooverunning distally from at least one of the distal openings and terminatesproximal to said at least one blade.
 16. The vial access cannula ofclaim 14, wherein the at least one blade includes opposing beveled facesthat extend to the cutting edge.
 17. (canceled)
 18. The vial accesscannula of claim 15, wherein the at least one planar lateral facetcomprises a pair of planar lateral facets, wherein each of said pair ofplanar lateral facets comprises a said medial groove, and wherein saidmedial groove (i) is disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis of saidcannula, (ii) has substantially the same width as said distal openings,and (iii) runs distally from said distal openings and terminatesproximal to said at least one blade.
 19. The vial access cannula ofclaim 14, wherein the at least one beveled face includes two beveledfaces disposed at an angle of about 20-40° from the longitudinal axis ofsaid cannula.
 20. The vial access cannula of claim 14, wherein said vialaccess cannula is molded from plastic.